Camshaft positioning sensor

Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 163,000 MILES
While driving she literally shuts down completely, no warning, no dummy light until she came to a complete stop. Then she wouldn't, and hasn't, started again. Starter turned, almost ruined her new battery trying. I thought maybe that I was out of gas and the gauge wasn't working properly. Had her towed home and tested via OBD? Scan tool by qualified mechanics. The scanner code was P0340, Camshaft positioning sensor. I should have asked one of them where it was located yet got sidetracked when they he's told me that I was looking at between $200.00 and $500.00 to have one of them replace it oh, kind of like a deer in headlights syndrome I guess you'd say. Figure I'm doing the rest of work on my car can't be too hard to do this. So I went and bought a new one to put in. But I don't know where it goes, Can anyone show me or tell me where it is in the car, and what tools I will need to replace it? Thank you.
Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 2:56 AM

44 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The camshaft position sensor is on the rear of the cylinder. You will need basic tools such as sockets and a ratchet.

If you look at the pics below, I attached the directions for the removal and replacement of the component. Note, under the sensor is a target magnet. If you replace the sensor and it makes no difference, remove the target magnet, and make sure the dowel pins are aligned and not broken. Information related to them is included in the directions below.

The last attachment below is a clearer picture of the sensor's location.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions or if there is something I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Is there a better diagram available? I'm having issues with these being blurred when I enlarge.
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 12:17 AM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
She is a 2.4L. SXT.
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 12:19 AM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay my next question is, is there supposed to be an O ring in this area that I find out with the screwdriver? The target magnet is also cracked the whole length of the bottom of the dowel pins to both edges of the diameter. Do I need to replace the target magnet as well?
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
There is continuity in the pigtail for the sensor, there is no continuity or resistance in the old sensor.
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay, so I've replaced both, to torque, still no start. What now?
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

When you say both were replaced, do you also mean the target magnet? If it is cracked, it is bad. Also, the green O-ring in the pic is the only one.

Now, if you replaced the magnet and the sensor, we need to check a couple of things. First, we need to confirm there is spark at the spark plugs. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If they have spark, I need you to try something. See if the engine starts using starting fluid. If it does start and then stall, we know it's a fuel-related issue.

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, if you have a scan tool that can read live data, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Thank you. Yes, I replaced both. I will check on spark and let you know. I've not done that on non- carbureted vehicles.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Michelle,

First, you are very welcome. We need to get this up and running again. Let me know what you find with the ignition spark. Also, if it has spark, try the starting fluid, and let me know if it starts for a couple of seconds and then stalls.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I'm waiting on neighbor today to do spark test.
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I'm sorry I don't know if it got in the video or not, was wondering if the hole next to the PVC valve and the part that's missing from underneath right where the camshaft sensor was and the PVC valve, are they essential to its running?
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The pic with the PCV valve looks as though a bolt is missing. See pic 1 below and let me know if that looks like the correct position.

If there is no air coming out or a vacuum, that shouldn't prevent it from starting.

If you look at pic 2, I highlighted what I believe you are showing me in the pic you sent. Was anything removed from there? I ask because that is indicated as "if equipped" so you may not even have one.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
No spark, the EGR and transducer were there when I bought the car, and they were there open until 3 days ago that I know of that's why you can see the outline of it because it was actually there. Is that important? I noticed from the book of the picture that you sent my car has a different and I sent the picture fuse and relay box main power distribution whatever it is tell my end I know that my quill wires have been changed because they were a different style that were on there as of two days ago. I'm finally able to lock the vehicle. So, I'm hoping that no more of my parts go missing and my cameras are now up and running catch whoever's been taking them.
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The EGR won't cause a no spark condition, but a crankshaft position sensor can. By any chance, do you have access to a live data scan tool? If you do, check to see if there is an RPM signal when cranking the engine.

If you don't, when the vehicle won't start, pay attention to the tachometer to see if it is moving when you crank the engine.

Now, the EGR needs to be replaced. It is an emission component, and if things are missing, it will cause a large vacuum leak. However, it won't shut down spark. Was it the cam or crank sensor that was replaced?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay, so I'll replace the EGR and transducer. It was the cam sensor. I don't have an owner's book for her and as the fuse box is different than what was in the diagram and picture,
could you send a picture of mine with what all of the fuses and relays go to? I was told there is one relay I should never mess with unless I have to replace it, something about the brain and it would never run again? I will see if I can get ahold of a live data scan tool in the morning.
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Thank you, such a blessing to be walked through all of this. Dad's a master mechanic, used to be for sixty+ years. Alzheimer's now makes it difficult for him to help me.
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 AT 9:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Michelle,

I'm sorry to hear that about your father. I lost a parent to that disease. As far as the fuse box, my manual doesn't give specific functions of each fuse or relay for this vehicle. Take a look at what I attached. When there is an issue and I need to look through a schematic, it identifies the fuse I need to check.

Let me know if this helps in any way. If it does, I'll be happy to send the fuse information for the under-hood power distribution box.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, October 7th, 2021 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Yes! Very happy to see this!
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Friday, October 8th, 2021 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I was able to get an Innova 3130 Lat borrowed, having to look up manual online as the book is missing. It has live data. I'm trying to learn the system now. How do I share that live stream with you?
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Friday, October 8th, 2021 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The only way to share it with me is to take pictures while it is functioning. Also, if you are paying for the manuals, don't. I will get you what you need for free.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Friday, October 8th, 2021 AT 5:32 PM

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